Scott backs Gowdy to fill Graham’s Senate seat amid SC scramble

Sen. Tim Scott endorsed former Rep. Trey Gowdy as a potential short-term pick to finish Sen. Lindsey Graham’s term after Graham’s death, signaling a hurried scramble among South Carolina Republicans ahead of an August special primary. Gowdy’s Benghazi-era profile and close ties to Scott are central to the bid, but other contenders—Gov. Henry McMaster, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, and a Trump-influenced shortlist—are in contention as the party weighs how the vacancy could affect priorities like the NDAA and defense funding.